Circumnavigation of Japan: Cultures & Traditions

Arrive in the diverse and charismatic city of Tokyo today. Japan’s capital is a thrilling metropolis dotted with endlessly fascinating neighbourhoods.   Your journey of wonder begins as soon as you step on board Scenic Eclipse II. You’ll be warmly greeted by the crew and shown to your luxurious verandah suite. Take some time to settle in, meet your personal butler and pick the perfect pillow from the plush pillow menu. Explore your luxurious Discovery Yacht before dinner, from the inviting Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10 to the indulgent Senses Spa on Deck 6 and the Observation Lounge and Terrace on Deck 5. Toast to the begin of this once-in-a-lifetime journey looking out to the twinkling lights of Tokyo as we depart port. Please book your flight to arrive into Tokyo prior to 02:00 PM.

Mark the occasion of your first morning with a delicious breakfast paired with perfectly brewed coffee at Azure Bar & Café. Enjoy the stunning views as Scenic Eclipse II sails into the seaside town of Oarai.  Positioned on the beautiful Ibaraki coastline, the bustling fishing port of Oarai is renowned for its long, sandy beaches, stunning parks, and incredibly fresh seafood. Be sure to snap a photo of the Oarai Isosaki-Jinja Shrine and its much-photographed Kamiiso-no Torii gate that dramatically frames the Pacific Ocean beyond. Seafood lovers will relish a wander through the Nakaminato Fish Market and enjoy the day’s catch expertly prepared at a nearby restaurant.  Unwind from your day of discovery with a sundowner from the unrivalled selection of premium beverages at the Sky Bar, simply watching the world pass by. In the evening, relish an all-inclusive dining experience in one of the up to 10 world-class options on board Scenic Eclipse II. 

Awake to an early arrival into the city of Sendai today and enjoy breakfast served by your butler on your luxurious suite’s verandah as you prepare for a morning of cultural encounters.  The tree-lined regional city of Sendai is one of the country’s 15 largest and was founded in the 1600s by Date Masamune, a powerful feudal lord. Immerse yourself in rich samurai history at the well-preserved historical sites. Return to the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht after lunch for a leisurely onward sail. Spend the afternoon indulging your body and reviving your mind in the 550m2 Senses Spa, unwinding in the expert hands of dedicated spa practitioners, or relishing a good book in one of the ultra-comfortable cabanas on Sky Deck, favourite drink in-hand. 

Immerse in the unrivalled luxury of Scenic Eclipse II today as you sail onwards. Begin the morning with some self-care and enjoy a class or meditation session at PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. Alternatively, work up a sweat in the POWER: Gym. Add to your wellbeing ritual with a dip in the pool and share a nourishing lunch at Yacht Club before arriving in Hakodate in the early afternoon.  Located on the southern tip of the island of Hokkaido, Hakodate was one of the first ports to open to international trade and this influence can be glimpsed in the sophisticated architecture. Presided over by Mount Hakodate, the harbour city is loved for its distinct seasons, star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, and trendy Hakodate Bay Area with its historic, red-brick warehouses.   Before dinner, head to the impeccable Scenic Lounge & Bar to compare trip notes with your new friends and relive the day’s experiences over a selection of all-inclusive premium beverages, including more than 100 varieties of whiskeys. 

Appreciate the superior surroundings of your ultra-luxury suite this morning with a leisurely lie in before arriving in Akita. Forested mountains meet the Sea of Japan at this idyllic coastline of the Tohoku region on the island of Honshu. Bestowed with incredible natural beauty, hot springs, and a tenderly preserved samurai district, Akita distils the essence of Japan’s culture and landscapes in one arresting destination.  Tonight, perhaps enjoy a refined and elegant dinner at French fine dining and Champagne bar, Lumière recounting stories of adventure with new found friends.

Greet the seaside city of Niigata with a coffee on the Observation Terrace this morning. This agricultural city is encircled by terraced rice fields and produces some of the country’s best rice and sake, thanks to the area’s high snowfall that flushes the fields with pristine water come spring.  Continue enjoying the city’s signature drink on board Scenic Eclipse II. Our all-inclusive philosophy means you can enjoy the finest selection of premium beverages* all day, every day. 

Anchored in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Niigata, enjoy an early excursion to historic Sado Island this morning. Once a destination for exiled political figures, the traces left by those banished here make it a rich example of Japanese culture and religion. Visit the Sado History Museum to take in the riveting backstory of this pretty island that is believed to have been inhabited for more than 10,000 years.  Nature enthusiasts will also revel in the island’s stunning scenery and delight in sightings of the Japanese Ibis (toki), which has been brought back from the brink of extinction by a successful breeding program.   Spend an evening dining at one of the impeccable restaurants on board and join fellow guests in an after-dinner drink in the Scenic Lounge & Bar. Or farewell Sado Island as you sip your favourite whiskey in the private sanctuary of your lavish verandah. 

Arrive early in the artful city of Kanazawa today. Enjoy a relaxed and delicious breakfast in the privacy of your ultra-luxury suite or meet your fellow guests at the Yacht Club.  An epicentre of elegant traditional crafts, particularly the delicate application of gold leaf, Kanazawa offers ample pleasures for appreciators of fine art. Here you’ll find traditional and modern artisans working with ceramics, embroidery and kaga yuzen silk dyeing in the castle city’s many workshops, stores and museums.  Find tranquillity in Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s most impressive, landscaped gardens. Opened to the public in 1871, the gardens were once the outer grounds of Kanazawa Castle, which was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, and is today being carefully restored.     Return to enjoy an intimate dinner served in your beautifully appointed ultra-luxury suite by your butler or join your new friends to share memories of your journey so far at one of the up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences.

Watch Sakaiminato’s sentinel-like Mount Daisen reveal itself through the lens of the Observation Lounge’s Swarovksi telescope as you make your way into port this morning.   Located in Tottori Prefecture, Sakaiminato and sister town Yonago are bestowed with enchanting scenery, lively centres and enjoyable activities. Throughout Sakaiminato, characters from one of Japan’s most loved manga comics, GeGeGe no Kitaro, appear everywhere. The hometown of author Mizuki Shigeru, Sakaiminato proudly emblazons every free space with the character’s likeness. You can learn more about the child-like obsession at the Mizuki Shigeru Museum.  Farewell the twinkling lights of Sakaiminato as you relish a perfectly cooked steak at Elements. 

Let the day unfurl in relaxation as you awake in your 6-Star ultra-luxury suite and choose one of the many incredible experiences on board your Discovery Yacht. As you sail toward the South Korean port of Busan, spend the morning rejuvenating in the expansive Senses Spa, partake in an Aerial Yoga class, unwind on the Senses Pool Deck or simply catch up on world events with a newspaper.  Arriving in Busan in time for lunch, disembark to revel in the seaside city’s urban beaches, laidback atmosphere and tempting street food culture. As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan has a vibrant, international energy that blends contemporary and traditional life. Tonight, you may choose to spend the evening in the privacy of your spacious ultra-luxury suite or enjoying your Discovery Yacht’s entertainment program in the state-of-the-art theatre.

This morning you’ll arrive in the city of Hofu in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Steeped in samurai culture, Hofu has long been associated with the might of the once powerful Mohri Clan. With many aspects of Japanese life layered with feudal history, this city is a fascinating place to deep-dive into such a significant past.   Explore the stunning Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of learning. Wander the Mohri Garden and House, once the residence of the Mohri clan and observe the family collection that includes seven national treasures.  

Arriving into port this morning, your day may begin with a moment of reflection on a visit to Hiroshima. Perhaps one of the most significant sites of modern warfare, this city ravaged by the atomic bomb during World War II has risen to become a living symbol of peace and rebirth. Enrobed in sombre history, inspiring perspective, and striking natural beauty, Hiroshima is a destination you will long remember. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and World Heritage listed Atomic Bomb Dome, where you can absorb the importance of Hiroshima’s history and admire the city’s determination to endure and overcome. Return aboard in time for a long, leisurely lunch at one of the refined and relaxed eateries, such as Azure Bar & Café or the Yacht Club, as you journey toward the small island of Miyajima this afternoon. Well-loved for its serene, water hemmed views, Miyajima (which translates to ‘Shrine Island’ in Japanese) is known for its Itsukushima shrine and enormous torii gate, which, at high tide, appears to float above the water.

Take advantage of Scenic Eclipses unique open bridge policy to appreciate the sunrise alongside the crew, enjoying unrivalled access to the ships ultimate viewing area. Learn about the supreme technical abilities of The World’s First Discovery YachtTM as you approach Kochi on Shikoku Island.   A place to unearth traditional Japanese culture, the small city of Kochi is a path less travelled for many, making it ripe for your discovery. Walk the streets downtown to observe daily life; explore Kochi Castle; visit Chikurinji Temple at Godaisan Mountain; or perhaps stroll the promenade at Katsurahama Beach.   Return to your Discovery Yacht and settle into one of the nine bars and lounges on board, where you might try a new premium wine from the extensive and elegant list curated by Scenic’s Master of Wine. Or toast another day of wonder in the singular luxury of your exquisitely appointed suite with a beverage from the all-inclusive minibar. 

Arrive this morning in the harbour city of Kobe on the island of Honshu. Compact and condensed between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe has a long history of maritime trade. Yet, despite its centuries-old role as a significant port, beautiful Kobe is a modern-looking city, having been completely rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1995. You may choose to explore on your own to learn more about this event at the Earthquake Museum.  If you prefer to spend the afternoon in the ultra-luxury of your Discovery Yacht, retreat for a touch of tranquillity at the expansive Senses Spa and indulge in a massage or treatment^, or refresh with a haircut at the salon.

Awaken today in the pretty, pearlescent Toba on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture. This small city is enrobed by the Ise-Shima National Park and rotates through a seasonal spectrum of colours from the soft pink of cherry blossoms in spring, to the vivid greens of summer vegetation, and the red-and-gold hues of autumn. Toba is perhaps best-known for its oyster and pearling industries, particularly its female pearl divers, or ‘ama’.  Discover more about this tradition on Mikimoto Pearl Island, where you can learn all about the cultivation of pearls in the museum, watch ama demonstrations, and shop for exquisite mementos.   Spend another indulgent evening on board Scenic Eclipse watching the ocean darken with nightfall as you enjoy a cocktail at the Observation Deck or Panorama Bar. 

This morning, request breakfast to be served on your 6-star suite, and have your camera on-hand to photograph your sail toward the small but stunning town of Shimizu.   Backdropped by the majesty of Mount Fuji, you’ll soon understand why Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. With a history dating back to the Nara Period (710–784) and endowed with stunning natural scenery, such as the silvery wisps of Shiraito Falls flowing from the Fuji’s foothills, Shimizu is brimming with inspiring sights.  Discover rich Japanese culture and history at nearby shrines, stroll the centre of town to immerse in local life, and admire the World Heritage-Listed site and highest peak in Japan, mighty Mount Fuji.  Return to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht to dine with new friends at one of the 10 all-inclusive exquisite culinary experiences on board. Toast to new memories, share your experiences, and celebrate your last night on Scenic Eclipse. 

Today youll arrive in the fascinating, futuristic and bustling city of Tokyo. The final day of your exceptional journey demands a sense of occasion with a Champagne breakfast served in your suite. Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.  Please book your flight to depart out of Tokyo after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.